Some say Jesus turned water into wine, so that means one should be able to drink. Would the Spirit dwell in a body defiled by alcohol?
Answer:
The claim that Jesus turned water into wine is in fact accurate. This miracle, Jesus’ first, is recorded for us in John 2:1-12. However, to take that as full license to drink is another matter altogether. Other parts of Scripture prohibit drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18), and emphasize moderation (1 Timothy 3:8, 5:23), but do not prohibit the consumption of alcohol per se. In Christ, we are given liberty in our eating and drinking (Colossians 2:16-17), but we are told that everything should be done to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Hence, for the sake of God’s glory, it is oftentimes wise to refrain from alcohol, e.g. in situations where the person is an alcoholic, or in close proximity to those who are alcoholics. However, at other times, it may even be wise to consume alcohol. If there are those who would make teetotaling a condition or mark of a true Christian, then taking a moderate drink to emphasize that salvation is by grace through faith and not by works would be a God-glorifying thing to do.
With regard to the Holy Spirit dwelling in an alcohol defiled body, Matthew 15:11, 16-20 is emphatic that what defiles a body is not what goes into the body, but what comes out of it! Meaning to say, what is really wrong with us is not that we are being defiled by external influences, but rather that internally our hearts are sinful, dark, depraved and defiled. And the only true remedy to cure this internal defilement is salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus on our behalf (Isaiah 53:6, Ezekiel 36:26).

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